Politicians have long been viewed with skepticism regarding their trustworthiness. Despite the public’s keen interest in their personal lives, many have found themselves embroiled in scandalous situations. The “Leader of the Free World” is no exception to this scrutiny. Numerous U.S. presidents have faced accusations of infidelity, with incidents occurring before, during, and even after their time in office. Here are the stories of ten such presidents.
Woodrow Wilson
During Woodrow Wilson’s pursuit of his second wife, rumors surfaced about an alleged affair with Mary Peck, a close friend from his first marriage. To address these whispers, he asked adviser Edward House to keep their correspondence confidential. Although Wilson denied any sexual involvement, he admitted to being “indiscreet” in his letters. To preempt leaks, he prepared a speech claiming his first wife, Ellen, was aware and had forgiven him, raising suspicions about the rumors’ validity.
James Garfield
Most people know little about America’s 20th president, James Garfield, beyond his assassination. Often considered a “forgotten” president due to his brief term, he was deeply loved by his wife, Lucretia. Despite his frequent absences during the Civil War, Garfield began an affair with 18-year-old Lucia Gilbert. After confessing, Lucretia issued an ultimatum: end the affair or lose her. Garfield chose to stay, reportedly strengthening their marriage.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
During World War II, President Eisenhower allegedly had a romantic relationship with Kay Summersby, his chauffeur in England. Her 1948 autobiography omitted this, but her 1975 book claimed an affair. The authenticity of the latter is debated, as Summersby was reportedly dying of cancer. While there’s no definitive proof of a sexual relationship, historians generally agree they shared romantic feelings based on letters and testimonies.
Donald Trump
Donald Trump married supermodel Melania Knavs back in 2005, way before he became the 45th president of the United States. Years later, after he was elected president, rumors started to swirl that he was cheating on Melania. The allegations claimed that Trump was unfaithful back in 2006 with an adult film actress named Stephanie Gregory, who is also known as Stormy Daniels. Trump’s lawyer Michael Cohen paid Stormy $130,000 to keep the story under wraps. Although she kept her end of the agreement after the payoff, In Touch Weekly revealed that Stormy had already corroborated the story back in 2011. This payoff led to Trump facing felony charges in 2024.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, often perceived as reserved, engaged in an affair with Lucy Mercer, Eleanor’s secretary, starting in 1916. Eleanor discovered their love letters in 1918, threatening divorce. Roosevelt refused, leading to a strained marriage. Eleanor, despite forgiving him, found companionship in reporter Lorena Hickok during the 1932 election. Their letters unveiled romantic sentiments, although the nature of their relationship remains uncertain.
John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy was notorious for his infidelities, with rumors of affairs involving Marilyn Monroe and White House staff. Known for frequent liaisons, his extramarital activities were an open secret in Washington. After his death in 1963, more details emerged, but Jackie Kennedy was reportedly aware and accepted his behavior, believing she held his true affection. Despite the scandals, her understanding of their relationship remained intact.
Warren G. Harding
Warren G. Harding, notorious for his affairs, once quipped, “It’s a good thing I’m not a woman; I’d always be pregnant.” His wife, Florence, endured his numerous affairs, including one with a friend’s wife. In 2018, revealing letters with mistress Carrie Fulton Phillips surfaced. In 1927, Nan Britton claimed her daughter was Harding’s, a fact confirmed by DNA in 2015, highlighting his enduring promiscuity.
Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson was known for his numerous affairs during his marriage to Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson. His most notable relationship was with socialite Alice Marsh, who, apart from being involved with him, also provided political advice. Biographer Robert Caro suggested Lady Bird was aware of the 25-year affair, which ended over Marsh’s opposition to the Vietnam War. Johnson continued seeing other women, reportedly leaving Lady Bird “openly humiliated.”
Thomas Jefferson
In popular culture, Thomas Jefferson is often seen as a passionate statesman, but he was also a slave owner who likely had relations with enslaved women. His most known “affair” was with Sally Hemings, who was around 14 when their relationship likely began. DNA evidence from 1998 linked at least one of Hemings’ children to the Jefferson family, leading historians to conclude that Jefferson fathered children with Hemings, though absolute certainty remains elusive.
Bill Clinton
The most famous presidential sex scandal broke in 1998 when news surfaced of an affair between President Bill Clinton and 22-year-old White House intern Monica Lewinsky. After her friend Linda Tripp secretly recorded their conversations, evidence emerged linking Clinton to Lewinsky. Initially denying the affair, Clinton’s statement was contradicted by DNA evidence. Although his impeachment was pursued, the Senate vote failed to remove him. Hillary Clinton later expressed shock and devastation over the scandal.
